First, some introductory thoughts pertaining to the International Sunday School Lesson:<\/p>\n
Triumphant and Victorious<\/strong>
\nZechariah 9:9,10; Matthew 21:1-11<\/em><\/p>\nFor some three years the disciples and other followers of Jesus had awaited this day. Now it had arrived! Jesus would at last take His rightful place<\/b> as King of a reinvigorated Israel. The Lord finally had quit trying to hide His Kingship. The time of His revelation had arrived with high drama. Jesus was using a donkey to fulfill a most wonderful prophecy.<\/p>\n
Exciting? Exhilarating and electrifying were more like it! What a thrill to recite Zechariah 9:9 with the multitude that day…<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
And here’s my introduction for the lesson from Christian Light Publications: <\/p>\n
Love and Nonresistance — Not Pacifism<\/strong>
\nJohn 14:27; Matthew 5:39-42; Ephesians 6:5-12; James 3:13-18<\/em><\/p>\nNonresistance is often measured by actions: we don’t go to war, we don’t serve on police forces, we don’t sue, we don’t retaliate, we don’t pursue foolish or antagonistic drivers. However, let’s not forget that it is possible to act in a nonresistant manner without necessarily being nonresistant. True nonresistance finds its most accurate measure in the hidden response of the heart.<\/b><\/p>\n
If our responses stop with an act<\/i> of nonresistance, our nonresistance has ended too soon! This lesson’s printed text clearly demands more of us than simply accepting a wrong or not retaliating<\/b>. We must also bless, pray for, return good to and love the offender and the aggressor. Nonresistance at its best is an attitude<\/i>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n